The Jazz Butcher
The Jazz Butcher Better than a cold bath
In Memoriam

Patrick Guy Sibley Huntrods

AKA: Pat Fish - The Jazz Butcher

1957-12-20 .. 2021-10-05


Alan Moore's eulogy is here..




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  • Truly saddened
    dzembower[at]-remove-comcast.net - David in Chicago
    26Feb2023 1:09 AM (97 days 23 hours ago)
    I'm stunned to learn of Pat's demise, and more stunned that I'm just learning about it 16 months after the fact. I first discovered JBC in 1989 when I was in graduate school and bought a CD copy of Big Planet Scarey Planet on a whim. That led to multiple years of trying to assemble a complete collection. I saw them for the first time at First Avenue in Minneapolis in 1992. Years later in 1999 I flew from Chicago to San Francisco to see the early lineup at the Great American Music Hall, and met a number of fine people from the (at the time) mailing list. I still have my CD copy of the show recorded at the Crocodile Club in Seattle a few nights later. Then the next year I was fortunate to have that same lineup play in Chicago at Shubas, which was such a wonderful time. JBC was a big part of my musical life for decades, and I'm truly sorry to hear of Pat's passing. RIP Pat.
  • Butchered
    kaufmad[at]-remove-gmail.com - Dan LA
    14Nov2022 7:20 PM (201 days 5 hours ago)
    I am sad. I treasure my JB albums and how happy they made me feel. There's always a Jazz Butcher song on every playlist I make. I was only fortunate enough to see them once at that Roxy show. Man, it was happy fun. I need to feel happy now so I'll listen to those albums again.
  • R.I.P. Pat Fish
    thismariez[at]-remove-gmail.com - Marie Zapien, California
    11Apr2022 6:29 PM (1 year 53 days ago)
    "The Roxy, on the Rox," Sunset boulevard, Hollywood, CA; early 90's: A post-show gathering featured our Northampton hero planted casually on wooden stairs, surrounded by and engaging with his minions. I dressed in a boyfriend's suede jacket (for the occasion, you know!), and an enormous smile which I gleaned from this special moment. Maestro Fish was equally game, cozying up for the camera with one arm slung over my shoulder. His signature pushed-up sleeve now brings a tear. A cherished moment captured live and in color. RIP, with affection.
  • Forever Butchophile
    florika.dolisi[at]-remove-gmail.com - Faustine (Florence Dolisi), Niederbronn-les-Bains, France
    7Apr2022 8:01 AM (1 year 57 days ago)
    Hello David and friends,
    It is very hard for me to write this message. I am going through the same thing you went through 6 months ago. I truly believed that Pat Fish was indestructible and that I would be able to talk to him one of these days .... I just learned of his death.
    I saw him playing on stage several times in the 80's (I have all the tickets) and once in 94, in Toulouse. Like many of you, I cherish a few fragments of space-time shared with him. Here are 2 of them:
    When I first met him (in 1987, after the gig in Tours), A Scandal in Bohemia had been playing on my turntable for months. It was the time when I had started a band with a friend just because I dreamed of opening for The Jazz Butcher (which never happened). I adored his music, and I was having a great love story with him in my head. Everyone was laughing at me. That night, when he dedicated La Mer to me during the gig, I had almost tombé dans les pommes (fainted). The friends who had asked him for the dedication without telling me then dragged me backstage, and I found myself facing my hero. I lost all my means; I was mesmerized. As I didn't speak a word of english, I just looked at him with an enamored stare. He had the elegance not to laugh and he very politely made the conversation all by himself (and in French, at that). I have a dazzling memory of this monologue.
    I saw Pat again in concert in 1994, in Toulouse. I was much more relaxed than in 1987, and my english was a little better. When he asked me news of my band, I was able to tell him that « I had been fired some time ago. Yes, FIRED! » At the time I was still feeling bad and sad about this, but that night, thanks to Pat, I could laugh about this sorry episode.
    I missed his last concert in Paris, in 2019. I missed the Fishy Mansions Sessions when they aired. I didn’t see the announcement of his death. Since 2018, I can't access my old Facebook account, the one through which, in the 2010s, I had become friend again with the great Pat Fish. And for the past few months, I've done everything I could to avoid all social medias. But I was going to send him an invitation from my new account as soon as I’d feel better. Today, I feel like my heart has been ripped out.
    My thoughts are with his loved ones, his pocket tiger and all those who knew him and loved his music...
    Faustine (Florence Dolisi)

    Bonjour David and Friends
    C’est très dur pour moi d’écrire ce message. Je suis en train de traverser la même chose que vous il y a 6 mois. Je croyais sincèrement que Pat Fish était indestructible et que je pourrais discuter avec lui un de ces jours…. Je viens seulement d’apprendre sa mort.

    Je l’ai vu plusieurs fois en concert dans les années 80 (j’ai gardé tous les tickets) et une fois en 94, à Toulouse. Comme beaucoup d’entre vous, je chéris quelques fragments d’espace-temps partagés avec lui. En voici 2 :

    Quand je l’ai rencontré pour la première fois (en 1987, après le concert de Tours), A Scandal in Bohemia tournait sur ma platine depuis des mois. C’était l’époque où j’avais monté un groupe avec une copine juste parce que je rêvais de faire un jour la première partie de The Jazz Butcher (ce qui n’eut jamais lieu). J’adorais sa musique, et je vivais dans ma tête une grande histoire d’amour avec lui. Tout le monde se moquait gentiment de moi. Ce soir-là, quand il m’a dédié La Mer pendant le concert, j’ai failli tomber dans les pommes. Les copains qui lui avaient demandé cette dédicace sans me prévenir m’ont ensuite trainée backstage, et je me suis retrouvée face à mon héros. J’ai perdu tous mes moyens ; j’étais tétanisée. Comme je ne parlais pas un mot d’anglais, je me suis contentée de le regarder d’un air niais. Il a eu l’élégance de ne pas rire et il a très courtoisement fait la conversation à lui tout seul (et en français, en plus). J’en garde un souvenir ébloui.

    J’ai revu Pat en concert en 1994, à Toulouse. J’étais beaucoup plus détendue qu’en 1987, et je me débrouillais un peu mieux en anglais. Quand il m’a demandé ce que devenait mon groupe, j’ai pu lui répondre dans la langue de Shakespeare que j’avais été virée comme une malpropre. FIRED ! J’en avais encore gros sur la patate ; mais ce soir-là, grâce à Pat, j’ai réussi à rigoler de cet épisode navrant.

    J’ai raté son dernier concert à Paris, en 2019. J’ai raté les Fishy Mansions Sessions au moment de leur diffusion. Je n’ai pas vu passer l’annonce de sa mort. Depuis 2018, je n’arrive plus à accéder à mon ancien compte Facebook, celui grâce auquel, dans les années 2010, j’étais redevenue amie avec le grand Pat Fish. Et ces derniers mois, j’ai tout fait pour éviter les réseaux sociaux. Mais je comptais lui envoyer une invitation depuis mon nouveau compte dès que je me sentirais mieux. Aujourd’hui, j’ai l’impression qu’on m’a arraché le cœur.
    Je pense très fort à ses proches, à son tigre de poche et à tous celles et tous ceux qui l’ont connu et qui aiment sa musique…
    Faustine (Florence Dolisi)
  • Fond Memories of Pat
    tregg01[at]-remove-sbcglobal.net - Greg, Michigan USA
    3Apr2022 11:01 PM (1 year 61 days ago)
    I just learned today of Pat's untimely death and I'm genuinely saddened by the loss. I picked up an LP version of Bloody Nonsense while a student at Michigan State in the mid 80s, and was hooked. Had the good fortune to see the JB at Schubas in Chicago in 2000 (fantastic show), but my luck hit it's zenith in 2010 when my family and I traveled to London for a spring break vacation. On a whim, I reached out to him through the site, asking if there was any way I could have him come to London to perform for us. Stayed at the Andaz in East London, and I visited a pub the night before to ask the manager if we could come by with Pat to watch him perform there. He said as long as we ate and drank there, that would be fine. He showed up in the hotel lobby the following night, right on time, wearing a black suit and his guitar in hand. Lovely guy, and we made our way up to the room to chat. Told him of my plan to use the pub, and he agreed, so we walked over. I believe it was a Monday night, and the place was packed, so it was determined to not be suitable for us to stay, we we had some drinks and food, and headed back to the hotel. For the next few hours, he entertained us in our room with his acoustic guitar, playing standards and taking requests from me. I had brought along all of my JB CDs and he autographed them all, drinking Becks beer throughout the evening (when I asked him what kind of beer he favored, he said "anything of German stripe." I had a good friend from Wales with me, who is the same age as Pat, and he loved it as well. At one point, they broke out in song with the old "Hitler, has only got one ball, the other, is in the Albert Hall..." It was fucking fantastic. When the evening ended, he graciously thanked me for having him and made his way into the night on a train to Northampton. THANK YOU for a splendid, evening, Pat and may you rest in peace.
  • Thanks for the music!
    4ad[at]-remove-usa.com - Jeff in Toronto
    16Mar2022 8:50 PM (1 year 79 days ago)
    One of the more bizarre things Alan McGee's Creation label did was signing one of the biggest bands in the world (Oasis) while also giving an international platform for bands no one had a clue existed. One such band, The Jazz Butcher, was allowed to develop at Creation without the pressures of commercialism. When the band toured in the early 90s they visited Edmonton a couple times where I saw them play at The Bronx venue. I fondly recall when lead Butcher Pat Fish did an in-store at the HMV at West Ed Mall where he pointed at me and remarked on my Husker Du t-shirt. Pat was able to write, sing and play with an honesty that can effortlessly bring me to tears. It's this intimate style of genuine human engagement that is rare in the entertainment business. Thanks for the music, Pat!
  • Chicken in heaven?
    Bill983[at]-remove-gmail.com - Mr. Bill
    5Mar2022 6:23 PM (1 year 90 days ago)
    Ah I guess that's so many people's problem these days:
    You can see the hills - you just can't go there
  • Still processing
    leifcgustavson[at]-remove-gmail.com - Leif Gustavson, Hillsboro Oregon
    16Feb2022 1:35 AM (1 year 107 days ago)
    Still rocked by this news and deeply saddened. Been going back through Pat's catalog and it is incredible. Shimmering. Fresh. Funny. Earnest. The musicality: unparalleled. I have purposefully pulled behind a slow car or timed red lights on the way to work so that I can hear one more Butcher song. Back in '89, I was studying abroad and saw that the Jazz Butcher was playing in London at Subterania, if memory serves. I ventured out alone and caught the show. It was amazing. During a break, Pat walked to the bar to grab what must have been a pilsner. I was walking away with one in hand. We passed each other and I think I said something like "Hey, Pat. That was fantastic!" He stopped, looked me in the eyes, and said "thanks, mate." Not much of a story, I know, but he could have simply brushed by me or ignored me. That's not Pat. I feel incredibly lucky to have seen them live and met him fleetingly. We have lost a great one.
  • With Great Sadness
    jcespite[at]-remove-hotmail.com - Joe for Richmond Hill, Ontario
    14Feb2022 6:33 PM (1 year 109 days ago)
    I was in pitchfork yesterday and reading a review of your last album when I found out that you had past away. I have been a fan since the first time I heard Southern Mark Smith in the early 80s! I've collected your albums both on vinyl and then CD and followed you on Bandcamp. I've introduced your music to friends and girlfriends. You will be sadly missed! Today I'm just listening to your music to remember what you meant to me in my life and how your music moved me! RIP!
  • ...until we meet again
    gracemarimba[at]-remove-hotmail.com - Richard
    12Feb2022 1:23 AM (1 year 111 days ago)
    Pat - you were a friend and an inspiration. I am still in denial that you are gone. Thank you for what you gave to me in words and sound in the time you were here.
  • The Gift of Pat Fish
    tom.super[at]-remove-mheducation.com - Tom Super, Chicago US and A
    6Feb2022 4:15 PM (1 year 117 days ago)
    I was fortunate enough to go to college in the mid-80s. And the music of the time was magical, a gift. My older brother found The Jazz Butcher first with Bloody Nonsense. He shared and I was hooked from then on. Who knew that music could be this intelligent and silly all at the same time? Fast forward to 2005 and of course Just Like Betty Page is on our wedding reception playlist. I was lucky enough to see JBC in a small bar (perfect) in the early 2000s. Amazing show. Deeply saddened in 2021 to hear of Pat Fish's passing, the man who gave us all these gifts. And then one more on Feb. 4, 2022. Another brilliant album. Goodnight Sweetheart, indeed. And thank you for making all our lives better.
  • Surprise & Sadness
    Seehalerun[at]-remove-gmail.com - Chris in Ottawa, Canada
    7Jan2022 1:50 PM (1 year 147 days ago)
    Having just setup my turntable after it was boxed up for 6 years, one of the first LPs I put on was “Distressed Gentlefolk” and the included 45rpm disc “Conspiracy LP”. It seems like these are as fresh today as they were when I heard them in 1986. Such great music fusing so many styles. Playing these had mine wondering what has happened to the Jazz Butcher. Imagine my surprise to read of Pat’s recent passing. That The Jazz Butcher left a mark on my musical interest over the decades is obvious to me, and I am sure those that knew him would say he left a mark on them, too.
  • We Love You
    pcdawson[at]-remove-ucalgary.ca - Pete in Calgary
    7Jan2022 3:42 AM (1 year 147 days ago)
    Can’t wrap my mind around the news that Pat as flown from this world - and far too soon. So many memories - helping the band load their equipment into a van after playing a gig in Guelph Ontario in 1988; attending that amazing El Mocombo gig for the Condition Blue tour in 1992; finding a copy of that ill-fated live album Western Family - probably the first album ever to be named after a Canadian condiment manufacturer- I could go on. Pat - you mean so much to me - thanks for all the joy you have given (and continue) to give) me. You forever fan, Pete
  • Bye
    alpwermuth[at]-remove-gmail.com - Anthony Wermuth Warwick, MA USA
    5Jan2022 3:20 PM (1 year 149 days ago)
    Was floored to hear this, since we had emailed a day or so before. You were a true original and I valued your friendship. Thanks for staying in touch over the decades. Sleep Easy, Old Stick. Best Ever, Meathook
  • Hellow Jazz Butcher Fans
    hmulhalli[at]-remove-gmail.com - Harry M, Toronto, Canada
    3Jan2022 3:52 PM (1 year 151 days ago)
    I originally sent this out in an Email to My Music
    Loving Friends, but a Mate of Mine suggested I
    should post this on the JBC Website, so here it
    is:

    Not being a SocialMediaGuy, I sometimes find out
    Music News a little later than most people. One
    thing I would always do is pop by The Jazz
    Butcher’s Website every couple of months or so to
    see what he was up to & hoping to get good news
    about “Jazz Butcher Singles & Rarities” would
    someday see the music finally released on CD after
    all these years of waiting.

    Well in the middle of November I found out the Sad
    News that Pat Fish had passed away & the
    Bittersweet News that “Dr Cholmondley Repents: A-
    Sides, B-Sides and Seasides” had just been
    released in the UK.

    I first stumbled upon the Jazz Butcher at “Sam the
    Record Man” back in 1986. There were 2 Domestic
    Releases that just hit the Record Stores in Canada
    which were “Bloody Nonsense” which was a
    collection of A & B Sides released in the UK &
    “Distressed Gentlefolk” which also included the
    Bonus LP “Conspiracy”. Both releases had
    excellent “Handwritten Reviews” from
    members of Sam’s Staff & my brother Ken who was
    with me at the time told me “The Jazz Butcher; you
    would like his music as he is a lot like “Lloyd
    Cole” Well, I found out he was nothing like “Lloyd
    Cole” but it was still one of my best Musical
    Recommendations that I ever received.

    “Distressed Gentlefolk” I had never heard an album
    that managed to blend pop, rock, blues, folk,
    smooth jazz, western stomp, ragtime & a touch of
    soul all on “One Record.” The album even ended
    with one of the most Gorgeous Ballads you may have
    never heard “Angels.” When I listened to the bonus
    LP “Conspiracy” I found out the “Jazz Butcher”
    could also “Rap” better than a lot of that stuff
    that we hear on “Mainstream Music Radio” these
    days. I Later picked-up “Bloody Nonsense” which
    was a “Glorious Mixed Bag” of Music from “Smart
    Fast Witty Pop” to “Punk Rock” of “Caroline
    Wheeler’s Birthday Present” & the “Bakersfield
    Country” of “The Devil is My Friend.” I LOVED IT
    ALL ……

    Back in 80’s there was “No Internet”, so we had to
    shop for “Records” the “Old Fashioned Way”. We had
    to go Downtown & look for them. I wanted to get my
    hands on those previous “Jazz Butcher Records”
    that were only available as “imports.” In Toronto
    you did not always find those Records at “Sam the
    Record Man” we would look for those at “The Record
    Pedlar.” I did not find them all, but I did
    eventually find a copy of “In Bath of Bacon” which
    was the first Album “The Jazz Butcher” ever
    released back in 1983. When I got home & played
    the Record, I was upset to find a “Little Scratch”
    on the first track; not enough to cause the Record
    to “Skip” but I had to listen to the “Click, Tick,
    Click, Tick” for about 20 seconds or so on the
    Record. The rest of the record played fine, but I
    never returned the Album to “The Record Pedlar” as
    I thought that I would “Never” get another Copy
    ever again?

    I had a ticket to see The Jazz Butcher play the
    “Rivoli” back in the Summer of 1987, but I never
    got to experience that Intimate Show as the Show
    got cancelled a couple of weeks prior to the date.
    It might have been the “Greatest Show” that I
    never experienced; instead, my first “Jazz Butcher
    Show” came in June of 1988 & I was accompanied by
    my “Band of Merry Mates” who had also just left
    Family Nest around that time in our lives.
    Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of “The
    Worse Concerts” that I ever attended as the Sound
    was “Horrible” The show was at RPM. You may have
    an RPM “Horror Show” of your own? I never liked
    that venue & glad it is Long Gone. The Jazz
    Butcher did return to RPM again in November of
    1989 & so did I, but my “Band of Merry Mates” did
    not. That show was better, but it was still RPM
    (later The Gouvernment). The Magical Show finally
    happened in November of 1990 at “The Diamond” &
    then the final show “The Jazz Butcher” ever played
    in Toronto was in the Summer of 1992 at “The El
    Mocombo”, which was another great show.

    The Music never stopped, but The Record Company
    “Pulled the Plug” on “Jazz Butcher Domestic
    Releases” & of course there were no more Tours on
    this side of the Pond either. I still Loved &
    Followed his Music, even though I had to pay those
    few extra Dollars for those “Import Releases”
    through the rest of his career. The very last
    “Jazz Butcher Album” released in 2012 was “Last of
    the Gentleman Adventurers” It was a “Fan Funded”
    Record. Thanks to “The Fans” that funded that
    record!

    Well, “Pat Fish” aka “The Jazz Butcher” has gone
    to Heaven but we still & will always have his
    Music to Play & the Memories that go along with it
    all. Thanks “Pat” & please raise a Glass to “The
    Jazz Butcher” the next time you have drink in your
    hand. He would not want it any other way!

    Rest in Peace "Pat" & Peace to All
  • Another great one leaves the building.
    jfc08904[at]-remove-yahoo.com - john c, east brunswick new jersey usa
    25Dec2021 4:16 AM (1 year 160 days ago)
    I only know the great man from records; he never played anywhere near where I live. But those records were superb and he always came across as a good man. See you further on up the road, Pat!
  • The Last of the Gentleman Renegades
    captainpass1969[at]-remove-gmail.com - Mark C
    15Dec2021 10:04 PM (1 year 170 days ago)
    I was a wee 16 or so when I first heard "The Devil is my Friend" while on a trip to a college town to visit some friends. I remember a friend earlier mentioning seeing TJBC play in Chicago around that time and that the show was incredible. The lyrics attached to this bit of the band's wares indeed seemed to be a few leagues ahead what was playing on the radio circa 1986. And who could be against a tune involving Satan and 20 rum and cokes? Anyway, after that, I was a devoted purchaser of all things JB (when such things could be found in those pre-Interweb days) and was even lucky enough to see the lads play twice (Madison, WI and Troubadour LA). Gobsmacked that the travelling bohemian behind the beautiful mayhem is gone. Rest in peace, Pat. We will miss you.
  • Gutted
    dougenglish[at]-remove-hotmail.com - Doug, Arlington, VA
    9Dec2021 8:36 PM (1 year 176 days ago)
    Hard to believe I missed his passing, but things were heavy here and things were missed. The JBC made a huge difference in my life. Saw them a few times in the U.S., and lucked into one show in Camden Town. All the records were very personal to me. Condition: Blue. RIP, and peace to all.
  • Jazz Butcher Forever
    ritualofthesavage[at]-remove-gmail.com - Eric Musick, Los Angeles
    7Dec2021 9:16 PM (1 year 178 days ago)
    I remember seeing the Jazz Butcher at the Roxy in '86. We had all been listening to the new album at the time and I made it my life's mission to see Pat and the gang when they came to town. What a fantastic show. The show was witty and personal, just like the music they wrote. This show is still at the top of my all time favorite shows. I've been a lifelong Jazz Butcher fan ever since. So sad to hear of Pat's passing. Luckily he left us all such great music to remember him by for generations to come.
  • Sadness
    dmclaughlin_6[at]-remove-yahoo.com - David, transplanted from Lambeth, ON
    5Dec2021 3:34 PM (1 year 180 days ago)
    Somehow I missed the news a few months back. What gorgeous, quirky, and important music he made.
  • Whaddya doin'?
    christmaas[at]-remove-mac.com - Christo, Berlin
    26Nov2021 10:25 PM (1 year 189 days ago)
    It’s so sad that another here of the 80s is gone.
    Your music was, is and will ever be a part of my live.
    Thank you for the melodies and lyrics.
    Rest In Peace!
  • Soundtrack of my life
    robertdemander[at]-remove-gmail.com - Robert, Stockholm
    24Nov2021 1:39 PM (1 year 191 days ago)
    There are loads of Pat's songs in it. RIP you great man.
  • Thank you Pat
    lynnjohn11[at]-remove-gmail.com - LJ Washington, D.C.
    12Nov2021 7:46 PM (1 year 203 days ago)
    Spring 1985: Heard "Southern Mark Smith" for the
    first time and went out to buy Scandal the next
    day. That song, that album became the soundtrack
    to my summer and has stayed with me forever. A
    touchstone I always return to.

    The years flowed and with them so many other great
    songs - you were amongst the best of your
    generation, Pat. Such a distinctive guitar, wit,
    and voice. And your last (Last of the Gentlemen
    Adventurers) was as good as anything that came
    before. How many can say the same?

    Despite your advocacy, I know the devil isn't
    really my friend. But I always thought you were.
    There for me through thick and thin over the past
    36 years. Thank you for that and goodbye dear
    friend.
  • G'night Pat!
    ignatz.maus[at]-remove-protonmail.com - EV Camarillo, Fountain Hills, AZ USA
    12Nov2021 7:31 PM (1 year 203 days ago)
    Heartbroken to hear of Mr. Fish's passing. He is remembered fondly and will be sorely missed. Happy to have been able to catch a show away back in the day at the Roxy Theater in Hollywood. We will be giving the old tunes many spins in the coming weeks.
    Rest easy Pat.
  • Thanks Pat
    Ifh65[at]-remove-yahoo.com - Ian H - Leamington Spa
    12Nov2021 4:42 PM (1 year 203 days ago)
    The then Coventry Polytechnic on a Saturday night
    sometime in the early 80s - wonderful gig.
    'Southern Mark Smith' remains in my Top Ten
    singles of all time.

    Thank you Pat for all the music.
  • Sad News
    stefan.bruneder[at]-remove-outlook.com - Stefan from Linz, Austria
    8Nov2021 9:02 PM (1 year 207 days ago)
    My friend and I once witnessed Pat totally rocking
    out to an audience of about 10 at the Orpheum Graz.
    He was our hero ever since. Thanks, Pat, for the
    words, the music and the commitment.If we can't
    carry the torch for you, we might at least carry
    your guitar case, if we should meet again.
  • Sehr traurige Nachricht
    dirk[at]-remove-fresemann.com - Dirk Hamburg/Bielefeld
    7Nov2021 10:55 PM (1 year 208 days ago)
    Danke Pat,
    von der Schulzeit bis heute war ein langer Weg den wir teils über Venyl und teils nach dem Gig gegangen sind....
    Rip
  • senior service honoured
    jimtomkeith[at]-remove-yahoo.co.uk - jimtom in N'mpton
    7Nov2021 5:20 PM (1 year 208 days ago)
    he was the senior father of conscious chaos was fishpat! northampton is graced for ever now..he walks among with angel style all ways! thanks bud!
  • RIP Pat
    klaus.linnenbruegger[at]-remove-gmx.de - Klaus Hamburg
    7Nov2021 2:50 PM (1 year 208 days ago)
    I don't know how many times I have heard A Scandal In Bohemia - 1000 times?
    Thank you Pat, cheers, and rest in peace
  • Sic 'em Pat!
    saintsue[at]-remove-outlook.com - Sue Bennett Milton Keynes
    4Nov2021 9:52 PM (1 year 211 days ago)
    Can't find the right words. Chose this subject I'm memory of his Guardian posts. Wonderful memories of those 80s gigs and beyond. Will miss the footie banter we had on messenger. Your brilliant mind, great sharp sense of humour and unique musical talent filled us all with joy. An animal lover to boot. Rest easy Pat, our hearts are heavy at your passing but your legacy lives on. For always. Much love.
  • Forever
    loomr21[at]-remove-aol.com - Nancy
    4Nov2021 7:47 PM (1 year 211 days ago)
    I still can't believe that you won't be gracing us with your Fishy Mansion Performances and sharing True Stories. Thank you so much Pat for all the music over the years. Your live performances that I was extremely lucky to attend quite a few times out in California. Being so nervous to meet you in person and relaxing straight away because it was like meeting an old friend for drinks. Feeling an immense hole since you've gone, but filling it up with all the music you've created over the years, other people's stories about you and feeling incredibly lucky that I lived in the world when you did. Cheers Pat. x "I shan't forget you,"
  • deeply sad
    curtis_uk[at]-remove-hotmail.com - Curtis Murcia
    4Nov2021 5:01 PM (1 year 211 days ago)
    Missing you hugely
    Rest In Peace Fishy
    you were very much one of a kind.
  • God Speed Fishy
    jrwhite59[at]-remove-outlook.com - Jonathan from Canada
    1Nov2021 11:52 PM (1 year 214 days ago)
    Thanks for all the good times, and thanks for the fantastic live performance in Toronto back in the 80's, even though you were suffering through a toothache! I'll be raising one or two ( or maybe three, four, or more ) to you tonight!
  • We miss you
    stageback[at]-remove-freenet.de - Olaf+Katrin, Munich
    1Nov2021 8:21 PM (1 year 214 days ago)
    Pat, we love your music since A Scandal times and we were lucky to meet you on many occasions during recent years. It was a pleasure to see you play live, and to talk to you about anything and everything. It hurts never meeting you again. We will never forget you. Our deepest condolences to Pat`s family and friends.
  • Thank you for years of great tunes, witty lyrics, and astute social commentary
    demolitionrobot[at]-remove-gmail.com - Amanda, Providence RI, USA
    1Nov2021 3:58 PM (1 year 214 days ago)
    I first heard the brilliant work of The Jazz Butcher in the mid-80s via a tiny, distant college radio station in Illinois. Who could not be charmed by Pat and Max's genius on display in "Who Loves You Now"? Distressed Gentlefolk was the first CD I bought when I got my first CD player.

    I was fortunate enough to see Pat (and sometimes Max) play in Boston, San Francisco, and New York. So much great work over these many years!

    I'll miss you, Pat. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones, and to the many other fans who are feeling this loss.
  • Great Music
    racl77[at]-remove-icloud.com - Richard Clegg Oldham
    29Oct2021 6:11 AM (1 year 217 days ago)
    Wonderful songs.
    Intelligent, varied, and often amusing.
  • True love
    Lmgarc40[at]-remove-gmsil.com - Mark Beverly Hills mi
    27Oct2021 11:19 PM (1 year 219 days ago)
    Just now dancing to Southern Mark Smith in the kitchen with my wife. We only saw the JBC once at St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit but we were hooked for life. We seriously thought of asking Pat and mates to play our wedding back in 1989. We acquiesced to social norms but have never gotten over our love for The Butcher. I can’t tell you how many times me, my wife and two grown daughters rock out to The Jazz Butcher Theme. RIP Pat - you will be missed. Thanks for sharing Time with us before you passed. Another beautiful musical gem from you. Thanks as always.
  • the 3 gigs that changed my life
    kikoloiacono[at]-remove-yahoo.com - dr kiko london
    23Oct2021 9:37 PM (1 year 223 days ago)
    I was born in Bari, south of italy. no many gigs there. I was 16-17 years old and in few months I managed to see: The Woodentops, The jazz Butcher and Julian Cope. They changed my life. I had the pleasure to meet Pat via Pete Kember and one of the things I am most proud of it was in july 2010 when I dj the night to raise money for Natt, with Sonic Boom, Will C, Rosco and Pat Fish singing "walking with jesus". I love you Pat and I will miss you. I wanted to be you when I was a kid! Kiko
  • Thanks Pat! RIP
    barrygreen361[at]-remove-gmail.com - Barry Green Rowhedge UK
    23Oct2021 5:26 PM (1 year 223 days ago)
    Thanks so much for the music Pat! Southern Mark Smith - still one of my favourite songs after nearly 40 years….still lifts me up when I feel down. RIP X
  • Hits hard
    billjmccarthy[at]-remove-comcast.net - Bill in Maryland
    23Oct2021 3:15 PM (1 year 223 days ago)
    I just heard this morning about the passing of the singular Pat Fish. His music was a huge part of my internal life and I always delighted in sharing it with the unitiated. I still can feel the thrill of finding a copy of A Scandal in Bohemia or Bloody Nonsense in the "J" bin of a record store on this far side of the Atlantic. My condolences to all those feeling this loss now.
  • Thank you Mr Fish
    e.llacermateu[at]-remove-gmail.com - Enrique. Valencia. Spain
    22Oct2021 10:45 PM (1 year 224 days ago)
    Thanks for your music. Thank you Pat, for making our lives a bit better with your songs... great songs. All your fans love you now, love you forever. R.I.P.
  • Schlafes Bruder
    Kerstin.luetgevarney[at]-remove-gmail.com - Kerstin, Universum
    22Oct2021 8:05 PM (1 year 224 days ago)
    Schlaf schön, mein Freund.
  • let the rain...
    lesguillaumepch[at]-remove-gmail.com - Pierre Guillaume, Brussey
    22Oct2021 5:07 PM (1 year 224 days ago)
    I am waiting for the rain to wash the pain away...
    But it doesn't rain...
  • What sad news
    Joerg.seebeck[at]-remove-gmail.com - Joerg Seebeck, Germany
    22Oct2021 8:20 AM (1 year 224 days ago)
    I have always been a Jazz Butcher Fan since the Skandal in bohemia Album came out which i bought shamefully as a teenager because i loved the Cover. There first 3 or 4 Album Struck a chord with me and i always loved the Personalities of pat and Max. Jbs are one of 10 Bands or so which i always come back too since my teenage years (devo would be another one). The news of the death of Pat saddens me.
  • CONDOLENCES
    slowdriver69x[at]-remove-gmail.com - J. McAuliffe. Kitchener
    22Oct2021 12:47 AM (1 year 225 days ago)
    I first met Pat as the producer of the 1988 Victoria Park Pavillion show in Kitchener Ontario Canada. We had a memorable time. When we met again at U Waterloo in 1992 he treated me like an old friend and gave me shit for not looking him up when I was in England the previous summer. My condolences to family and friends. He was a one of a kind. JPM
  • What a loss
    Michaelmiller68[at]-remove-me.com - Michael, Costa Rica
    21Oct2021 1:48 AM (1 year 225 days ago)
    I was fortunate enough to stumble across a Jazz Butcher record in the small Canadian town where I lived in 1987. That sound made an immediate impact and I was an avid fan from that day on. I only ever had the pleasure of seeing Pat perform live once, in Vancouver at the Commodore Ballroom in 89 or 90. Fantastic show.

    So saddened by this news. Taken too soon. Condolences to family and friends.
  • Goodbye My Friend
    srsch[at]-remove-verizon.net - Scott Schleentz, Jersey Posse
    20Oct2021 11:10 PM (1 year 226 days ago)
    No words can express the sadness I’ve been feeling
    since my friend Kate let me know two weeks ago
    today of our loss of the magnificent Pat Fish. We
    met Pat in November of 1989 at Maxwell’s in
    Hoboken, NJ-our first JBC gig after having
    discovered them in ’87. Our small group of loyal
    followers traveled up and down the East Coast of
    the USA , throwing post-gig “bathroom “ parties
    with Pat and his co-conspirators in attendance.
    The times we spent with Pat between ’89 and 2000
    are among the very best in my 55 years on the big
    planet. Without a fraction of hyperbole I say Pat
    wasn’t just a singer/songwriter/musician. When he
    walked in a room there was an aura around him-pure
    magic like I had never experienced in a human
    before or since. It’s sad to know that will never
    happen again. My wife and I were lucky enough to
    spend a day and night with Pat at his home in
    Northampton in 1994. What a gracious host he was.
    We drank, smoked, laughed, listened to records,
    looked through photos in his scrapbooks, and
    continued the drinking on a pub crawl. Another
    unforgettable memory.
    When Pat became unwell, so many fans and friends
    made contributions to pay back the joy and love he
    had brought into so many people around the world.
    I thought everything was ok with his health and
    then October 5th came. My few JBC friends and I
    are thinking of him every day, playing his songs,
    and talking of the happy times we had. I see some
    names of people I’ve met along the way
    contributing to this memoriam: Max, Peter C, Alex
    G, Richard F, Tim K, Dagmar( December 19, 1989,
    Atlanta), Tom P, it was nice to hang out with all
    of you. Thanks to David W for all you’ve done
    throughout the years chronicling Pat’s music and
    travels. Much love to Pat-forever. See you on the
    other side.
    Scott Schleentz, Jersey Posse
  • MAGNET tribute
    hickeymj[at]-remove-sbcglobal.net - Matt
    19Oct2021 7:38 PM (1 year 227 days ago)
    Keeping the Curtains Closed: R.I.P. The Jazz Butcher

    https://magnetmagazine.com/2021/10/17/keeping-the-curtains-closed-r-i-p-the-jazz-butcher/
  • Ain't it Grand to Be Free
    ebrusdeilins[at]-remove-hotmail.com - Erika (Germany, London, US)
    18Oct2021 2:41 PM (1 year 228 days ago)
    Dear Pat

    Thanks for all the music, private concert, and wonderful memories. RIP and say hi to Dooj for me. You and your talents will be missed.
  • What we're gonna do with forever
    dfieni[at]-remove-ucla.edu - David F, New York
    18Oct2021 4:12 AM (1 year 228 days ago)
    Where the sheep once played there's only wheat
    Staring stupidly at me and my feet

    How's that for poetry? I'm going to miss Pat Fish, knowing there was more music in him. Distressed Gentlefolk remains my favorite, but Betty Page, Girls Who Keep Goldfish, Partytime, Lost in France, so many others all the way to Shakey will accompany me to my own demise.

    Thank you, last of the gentleman adventurers.
  • Angels & Pat’s Guitar
    x.jones[at]-remove-mac.com - Chris Jones Lyons CO
    17Oct2021 2:39 PM (1 year 229 days ago)
    You will be sorely missed Pat Fish. Much love to your friends and family.

    The first Jazz Butcher song I heard was The Human Jungle sometime back in 1986. A friend at the radio station I DJ’d at lent me a tape. Who knew that the Butcher would remain such an important part of my life?

    In 1987 my girlfriend and purchased the Distressed Gentlefolk album together, the first shared purchase of what would become 35 years together. Angels became “our song”. And it sounds like so many other people’s too.

    I was lucky enough to see Pat play 2 solo shows in pubs in London in 1988. I remember a one-eyed man who sat outside the entrance of the first pub who said “You here to see the Fish? DOWNstairssss….” The second show featured Alan McGee from Biff Bang Pow in a “guitar war” and Pat roared past him during an incredibly heart-felt version of Angels. He went on a guitar heavy tangent that blew the small dark room away. Such amazing energy.

    The Jazz Butcher has always been there. Mr Odd’s crazy psychedelic guitar solo on a drug-fueled road trip through Kansas, The Best Way reminding us all why its good not to eat our animal friends, Big Saturday ringing in a new year or starting a brilliant Spring day. And the entire Scandal in Bohemia album on road trips. My Desert is Waiting.

    The posts here confirm that Mr Fish was a loving, kind gentleman. He was a friend to those who knew him and all of us who never got the chance to meet him. His passing hits hard - because it seems like Pat’s words and music were always present at important moments for many here on this message board. They certainly were for me.

    Decades after seeing him in the 80’s - we got to see The Jazz Butcher at the Troubador in LA with the “dream team” - Pat, Max, David and Kevin (they were probably discussing swimming pools in all the backyards before the show). It was a perfect evening and they played with such ease and life and humor. One of those ‘life-changing’ shows we all hope for.

    Pat wrote such lovely poetry. Yet infused it with humor and lightness. There will never be another like him. His music has been a good friend in hard times. On one dark night in one particularly difficult year, as Angels played (loudly), my wife and I clung to one another weeping as Pat reminded us that

    There's thousands of them
    They're bearing you up
    They're holding you up
    I want to hold you in my arms.

    That night changed the course of our lives. Thank you Pat.

    And as we sat last night - with tears - knocked down a bit - as we listened to an entire celebratory mix of the Jazz Butcher I thought about many things and many memories.

    Pat the man may have left us too soon. But as a wise man once said, “do you know what happens when you leave a Fish too long in an elevator?” Pat left this world a star shining brightly - and - his music is eternal. It is not biodegradable. We are all SO lucky to have had his music in our lives. A good trusted friend in hard times. A great friend in the best of times.

    Thank you Mr Fish for giving, creating and never giving up.
  • A live well lived
    Icebox766[at]-remove-yahoo.com - Mark Highland Park IL
    16Oct2021 7:13 PM (1 year 230 days ago)
    I shouldn’t be so hurt by this because Pat lived a great life, gave us so much good music. And Im happy I got to see him live a couple times. Pat, you will be missed by so many but still live in our hearts and turntables and streaming services for a good long time.
  • Rest Well
    garyhall13466[at]-remove-gmail.com - Gary NZ
    15Oct2021 9:45 PM (1 year 231 days ago)
    "Cause I can see them
    Here they come now
    There's thousands of them
    They're bearing you up
    They're holding you up
    I want to hold you in my arms"
  • Gonna Miss You, Pat
    marshallgooch[at]-remove-gmail.com - Marshall Gooch, Chimacum WA USA
    14Oct2021 11:01 PM (1 year 232 days ago)
    I was a DJ in the world of college radio back in the early '80s, via KCMU in Seattle, and once I heard A Scandal in Bohemia I was hooked. The Jazz Butcher might still be the most obscure band that I am absolutely NUTS about! Pat and his bands created so much great music, and his words were always both touching and hilarious - sometimes simultaneously! I am truly sad about this news and I am so glad that I felt like at least an acquaintance of Pat's (if only via Facebook). He was always kind and cool.
    Rock on Jazz Butcher!
  • Well Done Sir.
    hugespacebird[at]-remove-yahoo.com - seattle
    14Oct2021 12:19 AM (1 year 233 days ago)
    Nailed it.
  • thanks for the music!
    jmcguinn[at]-remove-mpr.org - Jim McGuinn - Saint Paul, MN
    13Oct2021 3:28 PM (1 year 233 days ago)
    I discovered The Jazz Butcher with the US compilation album Bloody Nonsense - such an incredibly diverse set of songs, infused by punk, but played with panache and style. At turns witty, absurb, caustic, and sweet, it became a formative record of my college years, and an essential collection to return to again and again (and a few more JB records). Along with a clutch of other writers of the era, Pat's songs influenced me then and to this day, and as I've made my way thru the world as a radio broadcaster and musician, everywhere I've gone I've managed to sneak in a couple spins for tunes like Drink and Partytime - which I will again today on The Current here in Minnesota, and on my Teenage Kicks show this Saturday. I never got the chance to email or let him know how much of an impact he had on me, but I hope he knew how his music shaped the lives of many, even thousands of miles away. RIP Pat - I love that hashtag I saw elsewhere on this page - #RestInPints
  • Musical Salute
    michelektel[at]-remove-gmail.com - Michele K-tel, San Francisco
    13Oct2021 5:25 AM (1 year 233 days ago)
    As a card carrying member of the Jazz Butcher fan club in the early 80s, and still hosting a weekly radio program in 2021, it's been a joy to share the magical musical wit of Pat Fish & Co (especially around Halloween season to insert some Zombie Love+Caroline Wheeler+JB Vs. Count Dracula + Devilish fun into the mix)for 20+ years. Another broadcast this week to add to the list of programs celebrating the life & music of The Jazz Butcher.

    https://bff.fm/shows/allsorts #RestInPints
  • Pat Fish
    peter.simonson[at]-remove-yahoo.com - Peter Ex Wellingborough
    12Oct2021 10:03 PM (1 year 234 days ago)
    Thanks for making Northamptonshire a lot more interesting.
  • My Own Personal Jesus of Cool
    jtnunes[at]-remove-yahoo.com - Jeremy. Alameda, CA
    12Oct2021 7:47 PM (1 year 234 days ago)
    You were to me what Nick Lowe is to everyone else.
  • Truly one of our own!
    nickedwards57[at]-remove-hotmail.com - Nick Edwards in SE London
    12Oct2021 6:19 PM (1 year 234 days ago)
    Farewell Pat, old friend, see you on the other side of the veil.
    I first saw Pat performing a version of Man's Bananas with Nightshift on the pavement in Broad Street in our early days in Oxford in the mid-70s. I subsequently got to know him through our dear friend Owen Jones (a master musician himself) and followed his rise to cultish fame through The Institution, Sonic Tonix and later, of course, The Jazz Butcher.
    My wife Maria and I have always hoped he forgave us for accidentally feeding him bacon scallion cream cheese when the band all came to breakfast at our place in Pittsburgh in 2000! I think he must have done because our friendship really blossomed after we moved back to London in 2008 and I started getting Pat tickets for our beloved Spurs a few times a season. It was also always a joy to see his various musical incarnations during these latter years. What a maestro, as I usually addressed him!
    It's true that most people only make pop records out of plastic but Pat made them from pure gold!!
    Love, Nick xxx
  • You helped make my growing up more interesting
    charliejwalker[at]-remove-hotmail.com - charlie ex Northamptonian
    12Oct2021 11:05 AM (1 year 234 days ago)
    Remember Pat and Curtis Johnson sitting round a fire in our garden at Bridget's crazy house at St Georges Avenue jamming together. So much fun had.

    Great times- thanks for always playing Take the Skinheads bowling when asked- especially in Slurps on Bridge street.

    Thanks for your existing.
  • So long Pat
    Peter.momtchiloff[at]-remove-oup.com - Peter, Oxford
    12Oct2021 8:00 AM (1 year 234 days ago)
    You enriched a lot of people’s lives with music, laughter, and conviviality - so long Pat and thanks
  • Effortless cool
    Thomaspiezzo[at]-remove-hotmail.com - Tom
    12Oct2021 7:54 AM (1 year 234 days ago)
    Such a loss. I came to the JBC via the Bauhaus/Love and Rockets route in the mid-eighties, but Pat set my listening in another direction. To this awkward New York college kid, he sang of awkward Englishness, yet with an urbanity and archness that set him apart, and even imparted a bit of hope.
    I saw the JBC in 1999 at the Wetlands show in NY, and Pat made it all look easy, natural and great fun — casual but never sloppy, as he peppered the show with his wry charm.
    I’d read of his recent illness, but am still shocked at his passing, somehow having counted on him always to be around, lobbing satirical sanity our way.
    Ave atque vale.
  • Jazz Butcher
    mdbilyk[at]-remove-hotmail.com - Marco
    11Oct2021 10:53 PM (1 year 235 days ago)
    Shocked to just learn of his passing. I have most of the pre creation albums. Will play them all again. Great tunes. Great sense of humour. RIP
  • Re: RIP
    therecordstop[at]-remove-aol.com - tom
    11Oct2021 8:23 PM (1 year 235 days ago)
    Pat Fish was pure genius. Condition Blue still on rotation the most but you could never go wrong with anything. I was actually playing every JB record compiling my favorites for a cdr to play in the car when I heard the news. Made playing the records a bit more difficult to take. Thanks for the music Pat.
  • The Mighty JB
    dmsj65[at]-remove-gmail.com - Jeff, Canada
    11Oct2021 4:57 PM (1 year 235 days ago)
    Great memories of wearing out Scandal and S&T on vinyl when they first came out. Just loved Girlfriend and Caroline Wheeler's Birthday Present. Lucky enough to see Pat & his merrymen in Guelph on the Scandal tour. Always such a great, witty sense of humour and always looked forward to the next release. Enjoyed the Fishy Mansions shows as well. Will miss you greatly Pat, RIP.
  • Pat Fish - broadcast and podcast
    neil6631[at]-remove-gmail.com - The Saint
    11Oct2021 3:55 PM (1 year 235 days ago)
    Hi folks

    Pat was the great mate I never met. We did 4 podcasts together covering his life then 3 album appreciations of London Calling, Eno's 'Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) & Velvet Underground's self titled 1969 studio album.

    Here's the podcast out their on his life: https://www.mixcloud.com/FrenchSpurs1/retropopic-632-pat-fish-1957-2021-a-story-of-my-life/

    The broadcast goes out from Ridge Radio on the 20th November!

    Love & Peace

    The Saint
    RETROPOPIC RADIO
  • Fish FM...
    andyvicbliss[at]-remove-gmail.com - Andy
    11Oct2021 10:13 AM (1 year 235 days ago)
    Hello everyone - we broadcast a special 2 hour radio programme last night here in Paris to celebrate everything Pat Fish. Just some of our favourite tracks really & the live concert from Lausanne. A chance to celebrate just a fraction of the man's artistry, bonhomie & joie de vivre...

    Click here for the replay :

    https://www.mixcloud.com/A_Certain_Radio/my-vicarious-jazz-butcher-avec-vicarious-bliss-paris-10-octobre-2021/

    Thanks to whoever recorded the gig & whoever took the photo we used.
    Bless you Pat - thanks for everything & more <3 <3 <3
  • Dear Patrick
    noelprivett[at]-remove-yahoo.co.uk - Whitchurch, Hampshire
    10Oct2021 8:11 PM (1 year 236 days ago)
    Rest in peace.


    Noel
  • rest in peace pat...
    eoscini[at]-remove-icloud.com - ethan o, australia
    10Oct2021 11:03 AM (1 year 236 days ago)
    my all-time favourite. a unique genius in every way,
    shape and form. your song "hysteria" hits that extra
    harder now... <333
  • Cheers & pleasant travels
    slotco[at]-remove-hotmail.com - Tyler Zepotoczny - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    10Oct2021 7:39 AM (1 year 236 days ago)
    Thank you, Pat Fish, for being a light in so many lives. I will miss that twinkle in your eye, the sound of your voice & guitar and the many recent visits to 'Fishy Mansions'. Your living room concerts were a ray of hope in a dark time and it still shines. Raising a glass in your honour.
  • memory
    stereofilm2015[at]-remove-gmail.com - Kaliningrad
    9Oct2021 6:30 PM (1 year 237 days ago)
    On September 25, we last corresponded with Pat. He was going to take part in our new album. I will use his words written to me in my new song and dedicate it to him. Thank you and i will always remember you Pat!
    Max+The Stereofilms from Russia with Love!
  • He Was Too Good for This World
    scottd[at]-remove-glowfilm.com - Scott Deschaine - PA, USA
    9Oct2021 6:21 PM (1 year 237 days ago)
    Farewell, Mr. Fish. Thank you for all your wonderful music. May God bless and welcome His beautiful, brilliant, and mischievous child.

    My first introduction to the music of The Jazz Butcher was through a review by Jackson Griffiths in Tower Records' Pulse Magazine. He wrote something to the effect that "Pat Fish is too clever for his own good."

    My first listening experience was Big Planet, Scarey Planet. The album was an aural explosion of amazing wordplay and guitars that glistened and thundered. It made me a fan for life.

    As Pat continued to live and create, I became a bit evangelical about his work. During one of his later tours, I met him and Max in NYC to film a video for "All the Saints". We filmed in the late but legendary NY venue The Cake Shop and on the roof of the building. Throughout the day, between takes and locations, Pat continually strummed his guitar and sang, like a songbird happy to be alive.

    From "Saints Prayer":

    May all the saints, who from their labours rest
    Beneath the landslide of souls obsessed with right and wrong,
    Who dared to stand against the tide,
    Be on your side.

    Thank you, Pat, for daring to stand against the tide. We've been blessed to live in a world enriched by your music.
  • Dear Pat
    wonderflox[at]-remove-yahoo.fr - Florence Rouen
    9Oct2021 4:11 PM (1 year 237 days ago)
    So many good memories with you and Lulu,
    Music, music and parties
    I Hope you can play guitar and sing in paradise
    Merci pour les chansons et la gentillesse, gentleman Pat 💗
  • Gutted...
    andyvicbliss[at]-remove-gmail.com - Andy Paris
    9Oct2021 3:16 PM (1 year 237 days ago)
    Such a sad day - Pat was a rare diamond amongst coal. What a beautiful soul - he leaves a huge body of work and I am more than sure that his legacy & influence will live on for generations to come.
    Ride on Pat, love xxxx
  • Funny and Brilliant
    becaal[at]-remove-gmail.com - Brad Dayton Utah, USA
    9Oct2021 1:10 PM (1 year 237 days ago)
    I still remember the day in 1986 when I bought the US only release, Bloody Nonsense. It became the soundtrack for our senior trip to San Diego. We wore that cassette out!
    Over the years I have started to realize that most of the bands that make me laugh, also get boring once the jokes wear off. That never happened with Pat.
    His sense of humor was timeless as were his melodies. For all these years, I've held onto hope that he would return to the US for some shows. I would have traveled wherever...
  • Pat was one of a kind
    meregan2[at]-remove-gmail.com - Michael in San Diego
    9Oct2021 11:58 AM (1 year 237 days ago)
    My first Jazz Butcher show was at the Paradise in Boston in 1989. Pat seemed genuinely surprised with and heartened by the intense enthusiasm displayed by a number of audience members, including myself. I just loved him and his music so much. There was no one else quite like him. Thanks, Pat, for bringing so much joy to so many of us!
  • Farewell, Dear Chap....
    markwaynehelm[at]-remove-gmail.com - Mark Helm
    9Oct2021 11:49 AM (1 year 237 days ago)
    Damn... I just can't believe I'm never going to hear
    another new song by you, Pat, or get a
    characteristically Fishy email from you... Gonna
    miss you, dear chap (as you always called me). We
    first met when I was maybe 27 and you were 32 at the
    Niteclub 9:30 in Washington DC...
    Turns out we had common friends: Those wonderful
    Blue Aeroplanes. My band, radioblue, traveled to
    the UK for a short tour with the Aeros and you hung
    out with us, then later we all spent time in LA
    during the making of their 'Beatsongs' Lp... it
    was a blur of several years, but we struck up a
    correspondence and became friends. I'll never forget
    the day you sent me your home demo of "Shakey."
    You'd istened to my first solo record, 'everything's
    ok,' and knew I was a huge fan of Neil AND Brian...
    As I recall you were very proud that you were able
    to nick that first line of "Helpless" and still
    create a song that was entirely your own (anyway,
    that's what I told you).

    I've spent the past couple days reading over our
    messages, back and forth since I had email. Yours
    were always a mixture of sweetness and whimsy with
    closings like, "Until next time, dear chap, I
    remain, as ever, yours--clutching the deck of an
    Icelandic trawler, Pat x..." The handful of actual
    letters I had from you were destroyed in the 2010
    Nashville floods... and that seems an even greater
    loss today. But I do have our FB messages since then
    and I just read over them... I cherish those back
    and forths. The last one was a response to a message
    asking after your health and general well-being and
    it read: "All is well, dear chap. Thanks for asking!
    A bit quiet on the work front for now, but I need to
    get some lyrics written and there's plenty of money
    in the bank, so it's not the end of the world. Well,
    not until that asteroid thingie ploughs into us
    later in the evening, anyway. Hope this finds you in
    good form, x..." Well, Pat, tonight it feels like
    that asteroid has finally arrived, and I'm not in
    such good form. But my life has been so much richer
    having known you, having gotten drunk and laughed
    with you, having seen you perform, and having had
    your hand upon my shoulder. You were always so funny
    and so kind... No one's ever called me "Dear
    Chap," before and I don't believe anyone ever will
    again... My heart goes out to your family and all
    those close friends and bandmates whose sorrow must
    be miles and miles deeper and wider than what I'm
    feeling tonight. RIP, dear chap, as you assume your
    rightful place among the last of the gentleman
    adventurers, x.
  • Farewell Poppet
    andyzed1[at]-remove-yahoo.co.uk - andyzed1
    8Oct2021 10:21 PM (1 year 238 days ago)
    It wasn't until I woke up yesterday and realised
    that this was the first day of my 53 years on
    this big and scary planet that Pat Fish wasn't
    here. And it hurt. The man and his music has
    been a big part of me since getting Scandal in
    Bohemia out of Northampton library in 1985.
    Looking forward to hearing the next new tune or
    seeing him live has been one of the good things
    which has kept me going over the past 35 years.
    In trying to work out why his music means so
    much and why it is so different to all the other
    great bands all I can come up with is that more
    than a 3 minute tune, each of his songs was more
    of an eloquent, warm short story of a day in the
    life of Pat which made you want to be there with
    him experiencing what he was experiencing.
    His live shows were a great celebration of life
    and that's how I will remember him.... Head down
    strumming at 100mph, hair swinging and swaying
    equally fast, during the likes of Diamorphine or
    Racheland or numerous other tunes, Max alongside
    creating his joyous wall of sound. With my eyes
    closed in awe, being consumed by the sound with
    a massive smile.
    Thoughts are with all his family, friends, band
    mates and everyone touched by him over the
    years.
    It feels like that Big Old Wind has taken our
    very English summer from us. Thank you for the
    memories. Rave on Butch X
  • Rest In Peace, Sir.
    suzplus3[at]-remove-yahoo.com - Suz, Chicago
    8Oct2021 9:32 PM (1 year 238 days ago)
    Very sad news. Mr. Fish was a fun artist and a true gentleman. I had the privilege/opportunity to travel along a little bit with the Jazz Butcher Conspiracy, on their Condition Blue tour. It was somewhat of an intimate groupie situation and something I’ve always looked back on with fondness. I cannot claim to have “known him.” But I can honestly say I have hung out with him, in multiple cities, in various states of sobriety and - He was a good man.

    Thanks for the memories, and the music you leave for us. ❤️
  • Better than a cold bath with someone you dislike
    meejahoar[at]-remove-gmail.com - Liz, London
    8Oct2021 8:28 PM (1 year 238 days ago)
    A huge loss, sending all best wishes to Pat’s fans, friends and family
  • Tribute Link
    patricksmith[at]-remove-askthepilot.com - Patrick Smith, Somerville Massachusetts
    8Oct2021 7:04 PM (1 year 238 days ago)
    I've run an obituary and tribute on my website if anyone would like to see it. Feel free to add any comments.
  • RIP
    mars[at]-remove-egbt.com - Brian Mars, Portland, OR, US
    8Oct2021 6:05 PM (1 year 238 days ago)
    Back in the 80's/90's, I thought of The Jazz Butcher as "mine". I could never get my social circle to get into the music as much as I was. All the right elements were there, but they never connected. Oh sure, The Devil Is My Friend is fun to play at a club, but they never got hooked.

    Recently, through the scourge of social media, I realized that Pat was that special musician for a lot of people. Not sure what connects us all other than Pat. but its nice to know that that invisible web exists.
  • RIP
    apophenia_23[at]-remove-yahoo.com - Xine Colorado
    8Oct2021 3:46 PM (1 year 238 days ago)
    Thanks Pat for some of my all-time favorite music.
    Great memories
  • Everyday
    jack[at]-remove-widely.com - jack in portland Oregon
    8Oct2021 3:14 PM (1 year 238 days ago)
    his words are always on my mind. Hey, I just stopped short of calling out your name...
  • Heartbroken
    stromk[at]-remove-gvsu.edi - Kirsten Strom, Michigan
    8Oct2021 1:17 PM (1 year 238 days ago)
    I genuinely feel like I have lost a dear friend. More than a brilliant songwriter, he was truly a lovely person.
  • Sad
    Delivery[at]-remove-satbythesea.co.uk - Peter London
    8Oct2021 12:45 PM (1 year 238 days ago)
    Not a good day… he was a big part of my musical history

    … or in a bar
  • This is not Partytime
    alexdimentgreen[at]-remove-gmail.com - Alex Green
    8Oct2021 10:26 AM (1 year 238 days ago)
    I knew Pat from 1966. One half of those
    memories are gone. Rest in Peace Pat
  • RIP
    seffy.efrati[at]-remove-gmail.com - Seffy, Tel Aviv
    8Oct2021 10:12 AM (1 year 238 days ago)
    Very sad news. First heard Girl Go, to this day one of my favorites, when i was 15. It was very hard to buy JB albums where i live back then yet managed to get Cult of the Basement and Distressed Gentlefolk, both absolutely great records. Thank you for the music, playing those two in memoriam.
  • So long my friend
    phesq[at]-remove-sky.com - Paul H, Redditch UK
    8Oct2021 9:19 AM (1 year 238 days ago)
    So long my pal. I still can't believe you have gone. You were so kind to me for so many years (and my associates I insisted on dragging along.) The hospitality you showed me when we stayed over.. The football talks... Bouncing around your living room to The Clash... Writing the set list in Hull... Dragging you to a Hull City game... The countless gigs... The records... The books and postcards we exchanged... The music.. God, your music, untouchable in my eyes.... A privilege to know you, a privilege to call you my friend. Sleep easy Sir, sleep easy.
  • Saddened
    jasongarvin[at]-remove-yahoo.com - Jason, Colma California
    8Oct2021 6:11 AM (1 year 238 days ago)
    A true gent. I'll never forget the last time I saw him. The homeless people sell a paper called Street Sheet for about a dollar a pop. Pat went out pre concert and signed a bunch of them. Now the homeless were getting $20 a pop selling them to the concert goers in line. I bought one.
  • <3 <3 <3
    jastansell[at]-remove-gmail.com - Johnny Nebulous (Austin, TX)
    8Oct2021 2:28 AM (1 year 238 days ago)
    Devastated by this terrible news today. I've been a fan for 35 years or so, and have really treasured these last few years, where Pat was doing his shows, posting online about politics and whatnot. Was hoping to get to meet him one day. Very deeply grateful for his body of work, and his beautiful spirit.
  • A life well lived
    Icebox766[at]-remove-yahoo.com - Mark Highland Park IL
    8Oct2021 2:21 AM (1 year 238 days ago)
    I shouldn’t be so hurt by this because Pat lived a great life, gave us so much good music. And Im happy I got to see him live a couple times. Pat, you will be missed by so many but still live in our hearts and turntables and streaming services for a good long time.
  • Ground control to Mr, Odd
    martinrgoughx[at]-remove-hotmail.com - Martin, Ontario
    8Oct2021 2:19 AM (1 year 238 days ago)
    Pat, you'll be missed. Rest easy. Im kind of gutted
    by the news. 24hours later I still have my playlist
    on of all my favorites, pulled out records and tapes
    and Cds .I just cant believe it. Why do awful people
    live forever? Farewell to the Last of the Gentleman
    Adventurers.
  • tomorrow's just another distance
    rick.g.karr[at]-remove-gmail.com - Rick in Brooklyn
    8Oct2021 2:15 AM (1 year 238 days ago)
    damn, pat. first you gave me great music, then you taught me how to write better songs and play better guitar, and then, when i actually met you, you turned out to be a really cool human.

    to my old friend david w: my heart's with you. pat was an artist in the vergiftung mold, and mns is playing pat's music to his daughter tonight. that's pretty damned cool, you gotta admit.
  • NOT the square peg
    caelumv[at]-remove-gmail.com - Caelum, Winnipeg
    8Oct2021 1:51 AM (1 year 238 days ago)
    I don't know who the square peg from Winnipeg is, but it's not me. What a loss. I had hoped one day to have a beer with Pat and not tell him that my wife and I stole words from Southern Mark Smith for our wedding vows. We found out what makes each other's heart sing, and it was with help from the Butcher. Who better to expose a heart than a butcher? No, I would not have told any of this to Pat as we sipped our libations. I probably wouldn't have said anything at all, just listened, as I have been doing for years, am doing right now, and will continue to all my days.
  • They're holding you up
    toddismycopilot[at]-remove-gmail.com - Todd, Toronto
    8Oct2021 12:53 AM (1 year 239 days ago)
    I was maybe 16 or 17 and on my way with friends to see The Jazz Butcher play in my home town. Before heading in, I popped in to the adjacent college radio station where I volunteered sometimes to find the resident jazz DJ nervously pacing the hall. He had been asked to introduce The Jazz Butcher - probably because someone mistakenly thought they were a jazz band and also mistakenly thought he - a well-known introvert - would be comfortable getting on stage in front of a few hundred people.
    I jokingly said "I'll do it for you!" and the next thing I knew I was in the green room backstage with Pat Fish & company.

    I think they were bemused that a teenager was going to introduce/MC their show but they all also treated me with the utmost respect and good-natured hospitality - offering food & drink, coaching me on what to say, etc. When the time came to do my thing I stumbled over a cord on the stage on my way to the mic, and they didn't even blink. I would have absolute died of embarrassment had one of them snickered.

    They let me hang out backstage for the whole show and then back in the green room with them after. I was in absolute awe - I adored Bloody Nonsense and had been trying to teach myself some of the songs on guitar. Pat Fish was completely affable and charming and after hearing so many horror stories about people meeting their musical heroes only to discover what horrible people they really were - well, this experience spoiled me for years and years to come.

    They came through again a year or two later. This time I showed up with my girlfriend to the sound check to invite them out to the only vegetarian restaurant in town for supper, which they happily agreed to and we had a grand old time. Pat regaled us of tales of US customs officials analyzing his tooth powder for traces of cocaine, their session in Montréal for Brave New Waves, etc. etc.
    I never forgot the open-hearted kindness he showed me and for years I've been meaning to track him down to tell him how much it meant to teenaged me and how important those first few Jazz Butcher albums were to me growing up. Looks like I've lost the opportunity now.
  • Keeping the Curtains Closed.
    patricksmith[at]-remove-askthepilot.com - Patrick Smith, Somerville Massachusetts
    8Oct2021 12:37 AM (1 year 239 days ago)
    One night in 1991 (a bit late to the party, I know), I borrowed a "Bloody Nonsense" cassette from a friend. Wasn't sure what to expect from it. Three decades later, my infatuation with Pat's music hasn't diminished a bit. This is crushing news. Pat's talents never got recognition they so richly deserve.
  • Farewell to true Legend!
    wallytbm[at]-remove-gmail.com - Wally - Ottawa, Canada
    8Oct2021 12:04 AM (1 year 239 days ago)
    It's hard to know what to say and I never had
    the pleasure of meeting Pat or seeing The Jazz
    Butcher play live but his music reached across
    the globe and touched our hearts and made us
    smile and sing and dance and forged memories
    that will never be forgotten. I tried to
    collect every record they released and
    although I may be missing a few, I amassed
    quite a collection and can honestly say, The
    Jazz Butcher never disappointed. Thanks for
    all the wonderful music you left behind and my
    sincere condolences to all his family and
    close friends. Thanks also to Chris Seventeen
    for introducing me to The Jazz Butcher through
    his writing and the wonderful compilations. I
    had hoped that one day Pat would record a
    Television Personalities cover for our tribute
    series but sadly that never happened. Goodbye
    Pat, may your music live on in our hearts.
  • Pat Fish - my favourite J - band
    christopher.m.keen[at]-remove-gmail.com - Chris Keen, Dundas, Ontario
    7Oct2021 11:59 PM (1 year 239 days ago)
    I was fortunate enough to see the Jazz Butcher in
    Toronto the fall of 1990 (The Phoenix). I was
    introduced to Blue Aeroplanes that night too, but
    the Butcher blew them away. It turned out to be the
    only opportunity that I had to see Pat live, but
    what a great night. Thanks for the songs. I never
    tired of anything from Bloody Nonsense or all that
    followed. Timeless. Party Time, Big Saturday, and
    Southern Mark Smith. 35 years of listening and
    counting.